Katcloudshepherd

RJ'S/beginning, So happy for you!!! After everything you have been through, I'm so glad you are finally getting to being healthy. Wishing you continued success. Blessings, Kathleen

Sending positive thoughts to you all. Like it was said BREATHE. Take it slow after surgery. I walked, walked, walked in between trips to the bathroom. My surgeon gives two IVs to fill you with fluids. When you're cleared to drink: sip, sip, sip. A big problem after surgery is dehydration because you can't drink very much at one time. Your body needs the fluids to heal as well. I had someone at home to remind me to sip, sip, sip. I also did a lot of walking after I was discharged from the hospital. The walking helps prevent blood clots. You DON'T want a blood clot. My husband almost died from one when he had a surgery, not a weight loss surgery. I hope you all have successful, uneventful surgeries and easy recoveries. Kathleen

vbm510, I was taking the narcotic pain medications a little longer due to not being able to take any Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs, (NSAIDS). Think prescription strength Advil. I was SO INCREDIBLY BLESSED to have a cousin, who I'm very emotionally close to, drive for me until I could get off of the narcotic pain killers. It was over a week after surgery for me. If I didn't have to substitute for the NSAIDs, I would have been able to drive a couple days after surgery. You can ask as many questions as you need to. We can offer advice from our experiences, but your doctors are the ones who can give you a medical answer. Good luck with your surgery. Kathleen

fezik23, I remember when I was cleared to eat scrambled eggs after forcing myself to drink broth for a week. Man those eggs tasted good! Congratulations on your weight loss and progress. Blessings, Kathleen

48 years old 338 pounds 6 feet tall arthritis in knees, herniated disc in low back, 60 degree kyphosis in upper spine and arthritis in spine both upper and lower.

I don't believe I was standing. I thought I was lying on a gurney. I was wheeled to the OR on a gurney AFTER they had given me a shot and I was out cold. I was under anesthesia so I truly don't know for sure. If you were standing, you'd have to be strapped to the bed somehow? I don't know about having the weight loss surgery if you are having another one. It took the use of my legs to get me out of the hospital bed to walk. My torso was sore and I needed all the strength my legs had to walk. However, I remember the hospital had walkers to assist with walking after surgery--if I needed one. I hope what ever way you decide to do it--it works out well. Kathleen

Shayne, WOW! Absolutely WOW! I am so happy for you! That "Happy" song plays in my head. You are truly smart with your comment: "There are no ladies in my life now, but I know one day I will attract the lady of my dreams. Matters of the heart cant be rushed." Take your time finding the "right" one. The best person to marry is someone who is also your best friend. Best friend marriages last longer and withstand tough times. That is coming from 49 years of living--not any kind of scientific research. Again, I you look fabulous and I'm so happy for you. Kathleen

I thought ulcers were caused by the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori., (H. Pylori). I wrote a paper in a college class that the person who proved it was caused by the bacteria had to infect himself with the H. Pylori to prove it. I can understand the concept that coffee is very acidic, but my understanding of uclers is that they are caused by the bacteria. I've been drinking regular coffee, (about 4 to 6 cups a day), ever since I was 3 months out. Kathleen

FANTASTIC!!! Never heard of compression capris? Are they comfortable? I tend to wear very loose fitting clothes because it's so hot in the summer. Blessings, Kathleen

polygirl, Congratulations on your successful surgery and YES a 35 pound weight loss is still significant! Every body has different DNA and it's not fair to your body to try and compare it with others. We are all different and it stands to reason we all lose weight differently. As others have said--this is a marathon and not a sprint. I was just moving a box of kitty litter the other day, (26 pounds) and I thought DARN this thing is HEAVY! No wonder I was so tired all the time carrying around several times that in excess weight. Blessings, Kathleen

poginut, congratulations! I almost had lap band several years ago, I went through the whole process and got to the point of actually setting a date for the surgery. I changed my mind and I'm SO GLAD I got the sleeve. I'd do it again in a heart beat. Good luck with your surgery, Hope you have an easy recovery, Kathleen

wolfmom71, Hello from a fellow Michigander who grew up in Michigan and is now a transplant to Texas. PLEASE do not wait to get help from your primary care doctor or counselor for depression. I went through a bout of severe depression when I was several months out from surgery. I had to have prescription help and counseling to get me through it along with exercise. Slow weight loss is most importantly a loss. This isn't a sprint it's a marathon. Good luck to you, Blessings, Kathleen

Lizzyy, I went through a VERY dark period several months after my surgery. Get some counseling and medical help NOW. Do not wait. I was finally able to get mine under control with prescription drugs, counseling and exercise. It was a tough slog but I was able to do it. I wish you luck and PLEASE get help. Depression is a medical condition that requires treatment. Blessings, Kathleen

aliess, I agree with what BitterSweet* and Bobby46 said. Protein is ESSENTIAL for your body to be able to heal from having a good part of your stomach removed. I was on Clear liquids such as broth for a week after surgery. I ended up buying and drinking some Isopure clear Liquid Protein because I felt weak and my body felt like it needed protein. Then a week of protein shakes, then a week of "mushies" like cottage cheese, re-fried Beans and moist cooked eggs. When I was eating the cottage cheese, re-fried beans and moist cooked eggs--I as very vigilant about measuring them so I didn't have too much there to eat. Good luck and welcome to the "loser's" club! Kathleen

fezik23, Congratulations! I had my surgery at 48 but I'm VERY fortunate that I had been going to the pool and Water aerobics for years before surgery. I think that REALLY made all the difference in the world. As others have stated before--this is a marathon and not a sprint. Thirty pounds in two months is better than I would have EVER had done before having this tool. Kathleen

noradelgado84, Depends on your surgeon. I was able to drink decaffeinated coffee a week out with no sugar-used Stevia and fat free 1/2 and 1/2--which does have sugar. I wasn't cleared for regular coffee for three months. I had given up caffeine for several weeks before surgery and I'm very glad I did. Welcome to the "loser's" bench!! Kathleen

wcn1970, Good for you in sticking to your plan! I can so relate. I was in Michigan and ordered a wet burrito. It was huge! I only ate a few bites and the waitress asked: "Is something wrong with your food?" I responded that I had 80% of my stomach removed. She gave me an even stranger look then! I don't try to explain it anymore. If there's a high Protein appetizer on the menu, I'll order it for a whole meal and sometimes still have some left. I have shared a small portion of someone's meal as well. Unfortunately, if you are alone you don't have anyone to share with . I didn't truly realize just how massive the portions are at restaurants are until after I had my surgery and can eat only a few ounces. Kathleen

Andrew0929, Congratulations. I'm so happy for you! Those that have not gone through the surgery and working to lose the weight have not idea how much inner strength it takes to be vigilant and work it because we ARE WORTH IT! I had my surgery in December 2013 but I haven't weighed myself since my follow-up in June. I only weigh myself at doctor's appointments. My clothes are falling off again so I think I may have lost more than my current stats say. I just keep taking it one day at a time. Sometimes I slip and eat things I shouldn't but I just have to realize--I'm far from perfect and must get back on the horse and ride on. Have a good one everyone! Kathleen

jessiquoi, The work you are doing now will serve you well after surgery. I hope like me, your appetite to eat comes under control after surgery. I didn't have an appetite for several months after my surgery and when it came back--it was nothing like before. This has made a tremendous difference. I think it's absolutely fantastic that your significant other is supportive and by your side. This support is worth more than any amount of money. I wish you both well and hope your surgery is smooth and you have an easy recovery. Blessings, Kathleen

I went to the article and the typical posters were there saying to "do your research", "surgery should be a LAST RESORT." "just eat less and move more." Yada, Yada, Yada. Surgery was my LAST RESORT. After 40 + years of weight watchers, Overeaters Anonymous, (OA), doctor supplied legal speed etc. THE FACT IS my stomach was not working. It kept telling me I was hungry when I had no need to eat. This isn't just lack of willpower--if it were there would not be that many obese people! Once that troublesome part of my stomach was removed my appetite is now "normal" and I don't live to eat I eat to live. The shaming that goes on with obesity is unbelievable. If someone needed surgery to treat any OTHER disease there is no shaming or condemnation involved. Another FACT. Obesity kills--just like heart disease, cancer or any other disease. It just takes a lot longer to kill you and it's the complications like diabetes or high blood pressure that eventually KILLS you. Obesity is a multifaceted disease. It's not just shutting your pie-hole, lack of discipline etc. No one wants to be obese and treated totally different by complete strangers. Since I now no longer appear to be obese, total strangers are so much more nice to me! I say good for Steve. He is taking control of his life and health. I only wish my husband wasn't such a high risk for surgery--no doctor would touch him because he had blood clots and is on comudin. Good luck Steve. I applaud your courage.

Fiddleman, I love how you spelled Vagus nerve---Vegas. Since Los Vegas, (Lost Wages)--is over consumption of food at buffets and gambling. Isn't the Vagus nerve involved somehow with metabolizing food, appetite or something like that? I remember reading over a decade ago of some kind of research to stimulate the Vagus nerve in an effort to help people loose weight. Never heard anything again about it though. Maybe I have a Vegas nerve instead of a skinnier person's Vagus nerve? Have a good day, Kathleen

My Inner Surfer Girl, "I am a beautiful child of God. I DESERVE to be happy, healthy and to enjoy life." "One Day At A Time." "Lord, Grant me the serenity to accept stupid people the way they are, courage to maintain myself control, and the wisdom to know if I act on it, I'll go to jail."

Pippy's Mommy, WOW!!! You are truly an inspiration. I started to cry when I read about your childhood. I can so relate to you growing up in an alcoholic, abusive and dysfunctional home. Words can not express how thankful I am for your courage in posting your story. Overcoming everything you have speaks volumes for your intestinal fortitude. Blessings, Kathleen

Capegin, My stomach didn't work so I had it fixed. It constantly told me I was hungry. I see it as the same as someone who has a defective heart having it surgically fixed. Yes a defective heart is an obvious, immediate threat but obesity does KILL it just takes a lot longer and you end up dying from the results of obesity---diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, etc., etc., etc. I hope you have a routine surgery and easy recovery. Blessings, Kathleen

supportive hubby, Congratulations to you and your wife. It's a big change and to have someone who stands beside you through it is worth more than gold. I wish you both well. Blessings, Kathleen